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Our Wedding

It’s Gonna Be Legend—Wait for It—Marry

In April 2021, Matt and I went on our first date. It was a classic night—dinner, a movie, and ice cream—but we both felt an instant connection. Then came the second date… and I lost my car keys. Not just misplaced them—I'm pretty sure I threw them into a giant dumpster. Enter our hero: Matt. Without hesitation, he jumps into the dumpster and spends 30 minutes searching. No luck. We figure the night is over and start to call it quits. But then, as I close my car door, there they are—my keys, sitting right in the door. We laugh about it now, but in the moment, I seriously wondered if Matt would forever question my intelligence. I mean… who does that? You’d think this would be the beginning of our fairytale ending—but nope. We actually broke up two weeks later. Fast forward to July 2022. We’d kept in touch here and there. One day I mentioned I was out shopping, and he said he was at the local Target. We met up for lunch… and the rest is history.

How We Met

Matt and I had been together for almost two years. We both knew a proposal was coming—we even picked out the ring together. And in true Kelli fashion, I spent weeks trying to guess every possible scenario. I guessed the location, the timing, the how—but he still managed to surprise me in the one way I never saw coming… and it was absolutely perfect. To set the scene, I’m a voracious reader. Matt knows this well and has always supported my reading obsession. In fact, we turned it into a little game: he randomly picks a book from my TBR (to be read) jar, and I try to guess which one I’ll be reading next. In June 2024, I was moving through my books at a normal pace—until I hit one that was long and honestly kind of boring. For a couple of weeks, Matt kept asking if I’d finished it yet, how far along I was, what I thought of it. I didn’t think anything of it at the time—just figured he was making conversation. Finally, I finished the book. As Matt was heading out the door for work, it was time to choose the next read. He picked from the jar and told me the title was just one word. I started guessing—scanning the titles I could see—and finally landed on Wildfire by Hannah Grace. As usual, I turned around to tell him about the book—but knowing he was in a rush, I offered to do our little tradition later. He insisted: “Nope, we have to do it now.” A little confused, I opened the book to check the page count and get the summary. That’s when I noticed something strange—cut paper. There was a secret pocket cut into the book… with the ring tucked inside.I turned around—and there he was, down on one knee. Now, I’m the kind of person who laughs when I get nervous, so naturally, I burst into laughter as he asked the magical question: “Will you marry me?” Somewhere between giggles, I managed to say yes. And the very first thing I said afterward?“Is there another copy of the book?”Of course, being the perfect guy for me, he had another uncut copy waiting—because he knows I had to read it. (By the way, the book was great.)

Engaged

Our Story

Pics Or It Didn't Happen

April and Kelli have been stuck with each other since 4th grade (1998)—and somehow, we’re both still alive to tell the tale. We’ve survived the cringey middle school years, questionable high school fashion choices, college chaos, and now the rollercoaster of adulthood. Through every wild twist and turn, she’s been my ride-or-die, my therapist, my partner-in-crime—and definitely the calm to my crazy (and sometimes the only reason I haven’t completely lost it). Best friends then, now, and forever—even if she still remembers my most embarrassing moments.

April Balamowitz

Ashley is Kelli’s niece and has been our personal hype woman since day one—basically our own cheerleader, if cheerleaders also specialized in ruthless Phase 10 domination. She will absolutely crush us without mercy, leaving no survivors.

She’s also introduced us to some truly questionable takes on the English language—like “cream-e de menthe with Shaquille.” No idea how she came up with that pronunciation , but it sounds like a drink and a basketball legend had a very confused love child.

Ashley’s hilarious, kind, and honestly, we couldn’t have pulled off this day without Madam Niece. She also learned to drive with us… and nearly turned Kelli’s car into modern art at a stoplight. Oh, and Matt let drive onto the highway for the first time… and didn’t tell a soul until months later. We’re still deciding if that was bravery or just pure evil.

Ashley Achord

Kenzey and Kelli have been friends since our senior year of high school, and the bond we've built since then is nothing short of magical. We've spent countless nights laughing until it hurt, quoting Hamilton like its our full-time job. We said goodbye to our 20s side by side and have held each other’s hand through every high, low, and everything in between. Our friendship is full of heart, humor, and just the right amount of theatrics.

Kenzey Thompson

Naomi Meleski is my brother’s wife, but over the years she’s become like a second sister to me—Mark being the first, of course (just kidding… kind of). She’s always been there when I needed help, whether it was school projects back in the day or building a résumé after graduation—she came through like a rock star every time. She's also a great listener. We’ve spent countless hours just sitting in the garage, talking about life… and of course, playing card games. Can’t forget those.

Naomi Meleski

Grace has the honor - and burden - of being my very first goddaughter, which automatically makes her the best (and the test run). She was also the first diaper I ever changed...so thanks for that unforgettable bonding moment, kid. Nothing says " special connection" like baby poop. Grace is reserved, polite, and always wants everything to go according to plan - which is adorable... until the plan goes off- track and we all panic together. She'll give you her heart, help anyone in need, and loves the show Friends so much she named her car Chandler. Honestly, if there were a trivia round on that show, she'd win without breaking a sweat - and probably correct the host while doing it...and for just for the record, I also taught her how to tie her shoes. So technically, I'm responsible for her footwear stability.  

Grace Meleski

Not only is Meredith my second goddaughter (aka the sequel everyone asked for), but I also get full credit for teaching her how to tie her shoes - which basically makes me a hero. She's a take-charge, ask-questions, when-she-feels-like-it kind of kid who keeps us all on edge - mostly because you never quite know what she's about to say or do next. She's bold, brutally honest, and allergic to following the crowd. Basically, she's built like a teenage CEO with zero filter. But beneath all that boss energy, she's got a huge heart and fiercely loves the people closest to her. Oh - and she just got her license and a Jeep, so if you hear loud music, screeching tires, or a suspicious amount of sweet tea in the cupholders...it's probably Meredith. Buckle up.

Meredith Meleski

Quynh and Kelli have been friends for two years, having met while teaching together in Klein ISD. Our friendship first sparked over a shared love of books—and it was Quynh who introduced me to author Hannah Grace, whose novel Wildfire just so happened to be the book Matt used when he proposed. Whether it’s watching movies, sipping Alani, or belting out Taylor Swift lyrics, we are always down for a good time. From classrooms to life-changing chapters, I am so glad she’s part of my bridal crew. And she can always get the concert tickets!

Quynh Le

Alyssa and Kelli have been friends for two years, having met while teaching in Klein ISD. We quickly bonded over their shared love of reading and are always sharing book recommendations, united by a solid love for Throne of Glass. We even take a great joy in sending each other memes from the series—just to make the other cry (in the best way). Alyssa is honest and straightforward, which makes her a truly great friend. And, of course, she always rocks the best nails.

Alyssa Marino

Mark is my older (or maybe little?) brother—we’re 10 years and 10 months apart, which basically means I’m the fun experiment he got stuck with. We’re way closer than most siblings with that kind of age gap, probably because he had to drag me everywhere he went growing up… and partly because, let’s face it, I’m just that awesome.

We’ve spent countless nights building random things and playing card games while watching the Astros (Go Stros!) and Texans (Come on Texans… seriously, please). He’s my best man and honestly one of the best role models I could ask for—because someone had to keep me in check when I was younger.

Mark Meleski

Kenny and I have been friends since my 10th-grade year and his 9th—we met through FFA and bonded instantly over showing pigs (because nothing says friendship like bonding over mud-covered animals). His brother once told me, “You and my brother are going to be best friends—because you’re both fat.” At the time, I took it as a low-key insult… but honestly, he wasn’t wrong.

What can I say? We both love food like it’s a competitive sport, and that’s basically the foundation of our friendship. Solid as a pork belly. We’ve also perfected the art of blowing money at casinos—because nothing says responsible adults like betting our snacks on slot machines and pretending we’re high rollers.

Kenny Walker

Scott came storming into my life like a Category 5 personality the moment he started dating my cousin - and my life hasn't had a moment of peace since. We've shared countless nights out at Red River and Masones... though to be fair, Scott might only remember some of those nights. He landed me my first "big boy" job at AT&T, and to this day, he still keeps me stocked with Capri Suns like I'm a grown toddler with a full- time gig. You'll hear Scott coming long before you see him - usually laughing, yelling or hyping something up - but underneath all that noise is a heart of gold. He'd do anything for his family, and we love him for it. Just ...try not to hold the whole " being from Oklahoma" thing against him. He can't help it. 

Scott Russell

Kurt and I met about 12 years ago when he started dating my cousin—who somehow still decided to marry him. We bonded the way all great friendships do: through Xbox trash talk and pelting each other with paintballs. Over time, we became pretty close, and I even had the honor of standing by his side at his wedding—proof that I either really care about him or just really like free cake.
He’s also the one who gave me the nickname “White Elephant”… and if you’re feeling curious (or reckless), ask him why. Just be prepared for a story.
To this day, Kurt’s loyalty runs deep—so deep, in fact, that he answered my phone call while he was sleeping, even though his wife was trying to reach him at the same time. Sorry, Steph. Bros before incoming calls, I guess.

Kurt Farenthold

Chris is Kelli’s nephew, but honestly, we grew up more like brother and sister than aunt and nephew. We had some serious fun jumping on the trampoline in the rain, because that’s just what kids do when they have zero fear (Not something we can exactly pull off now that we’re in our 30s… unless you count sore backs and questionable life choices.) We’d also sneak in some Maury before Mom got home—because nothing says childhood like drama and DNA tests.
We even went camping once and had to abandon the cover hut in the middle of the night because it was completely surrounded by tarantulas... we've only camped once since then. 

Chris was the first to make me an aunt, and I couldn’t be any prouder of the man he’s become. He’s got enough integrity to make your grandma cry, and somehow manages to be a rockstar dad and husband without losing his sanity.

Also, don’t mess with him—he’s got a right hook so mean it’ll have you thinking twice before stealing his snacks… or even looking at them funny.

Chris Arnold

Chris Dutton and I met through Ben—they were living in the same apartment complex at the time. Now, you'd think the beginning of a great friendship would involve a handshake or maybe a casual “hey.” Instead, I accidentally hit him in the face with a rock. Yep. First impression? More like first assault. Somehow, that mishap turned into a solid friendship that’s lasted ever since. He even joined in on one of our most legendary decisions: dressing up in full aluminum foil armor and battling it out in the middle of the street like knights of the dollar store round table.

But Chris didn’t stop there. Nope—he also decided he had to be the top man on a five-person standing pyramid… while holding fireworks in his hands. Because, why not combine acrobatics with potential disaster? Real leadership skills right there. All these stories might make him sound like a walking catastrophe, but honestly, that’s just part of what makes Chris such a great friend—always up for a wild idea and somehow keeping us all laughing through the chaos.

Chris Dutton

Ben is my cousin, and I spent most of my high school summers at his place—mainly because they had a pool and I had zero shame about freeloading. I can't tell you how many hours we spent in the water, but I can tell you my fingers were basically raisins for three months straight.

At some point in high school, we decided the peak of comedy was going to the dollar store, buying way too much aluminum foil, dressing up like knights, and having full-on medieval battles in the middle of the street. Shiny armor, no common sense. And yes, there are pictures—because brilliance like that deserves to be documented... and possibly used as blackmail.These days, Ben’s traded in his foil armor for real responsibilities—he’s an amazing dad and one of the hardest-working people I know. Still hilarious, just with less tinfoil and more bedtime stories.

Matthew & Kelli

Matthew & Kelli

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